Now Get Free Online Storage Of UP TO 125 GB
Hard Drives can crash and laptops can get stolen, but you can protect your data from any eventuality by storing your files online.
Some of the popular options that allow almost limitless storage
ADRIVE
OFFERS 50GB free storage for personal
use. After a quick sign-up and verification routine, it loads up a
web-interface using which you can view/edit files stored online. Since it’s a
web-based interface, it works across platforms (but it does require Java). The
file manager window lets you search through files and offers quick navigation
between all the uploaded files. You can also view files shared with others and
a history of uploaded/edited files. The service allows you to upload or
download a batch of files simultaneously. You can also upload and download
files at the same time. They offer a desktop client for Windows/Mac/Linux but
only for paid plans. Unfortunately, Adrive does not offer any mobile app for
upload using handheld devices.
BADONGO IS the only one to offer unlimited online storage for free. But there is a catch. Free users have restrictions in terms of downloads per day (4.8GB per day), limited download speed (limited to 500kbps) and no parallel downloads (only one file can be downloaded at a time). However, the service offers multiple ways to access content. You can either use the web file manager, Windows/Mac desktop software or the iPhone app. Content is segregated on the basis of file type — if you don't organise into folders, you can choose to view only a particular file type (for example, view all videos or audio only). The web file manager lets you create folders and upload multiple files using the browser, while the desktop file managers allow drag and drop of files and folders. You can search, queue downloads and share files easily. The web interface also shows statistics at a glance (number of downloads and account usage).
BOX OFFERS storage ranging from 5 to
50GB depending on how you sign up (A desktop sign up gives you 5GB,but
signup using the free iPad app and you'll get 50GB). Although Box does not
offer a desktop client to sync files using Windows or Mac, it does offer apps
for Android phones and tablets, iPhone/iPod/iPad, BlackBerry phones and the
PlayBook tablet. Using the mobile apps, content can be uploaded, viewed and
files can be shared with others via email links. The web-based file manager
lets you drag and drop files from a PC, create folders as well as create Word
and Excel documents using Google Docs. The only issue we found here is that you
cannot search for a specific file that you have uploaded.
THE MOST versatile in terms of content access, Dropbox not only offers a desktop client but also access via apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry devices. You can view and share files directly from the mobile device by downloading the free app and signing in to your account. Dropbox offers 'just' 2GB storage for free — but more space can be earned by inviting friends. The desktop client (Windows/Mac/Linux) seamlessly integrates with the operating system. A Dropbox folder on your PC will automatically update all stored files — accessible directly without the need to open a browser. This way it allows for easy search, drag & drop as well as easy updating. Alternatively, files can be accessed via a web file manager that shows files and folders in a list format with options to create new folders, download & share files.
Microsoft
SkyDrive
SKYDRIVE offers 25GB of free
storage and works
much like Windows explorer with a folder structure on the left side. Files and
folders are visible on the right side and on selecting a file, various
functions including copy, delete, edit and download come up automatically.
Office documents can be created from within the file manager and can be saved
directly to SkyDrive or shared with others. You can add files to a folder
simply by draging and dropping it from your hard drive into the browser.
Although SkyDrive does not offer a direct app for desktop or mobile, it's by
Microsoft — so MS Office programs can access documents stored on SkyDrive and
Windows Phone devices support direct upload of images and office documents to
SkyDrive.
Pros &
Cons
Is online Storage of Data a Good Idea?
It sure is !
There are several advantages. For starters, hard drives are susceptible to
failure. Imagine all your documents, photographs, videos, email records and
contacts vanishing without a trace. Secondly, ease of access. You will be able
to access all your data securely from any internet connected PC (or mobile
device), anywhere in the world – which means you don’t need to lug your own
devices over borders. It’s cheaper — rather than buying additional hard drives
or flash drives for storage and backup, going online will save you some money.
In fact, even if you simply opt for free accounts from some of the big names in
cloud storage (Skydrive, Box, Adrive) you can get a total of 125GB without
paying a single Rupee. If one service suits you more than others or you are
looking for specific features like online collaboration, you can always explore
paid options like Mozy.com which can cost
as less as US$ 5 per month for 50GB of secure storage. Plus cloud storage is
inherently more secure than the data you store locally — it is offsite, safe
from natural disasters, fires, password protected and encrypted if you so wish.
Finally, it also makes sense if your devices are prone to theft. But as the old
saying goes, don't keep all your eggs in one basket — use multiple providers to
store your critical data in case one of them goes bust.
Source | Economic Times | 14
December 2011
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